TIGA Publishes University Course Benchmarks

TIGA, the network for games developers and digital publishers and the trade association representing the UK video games industry, has today published a set of benchmarks to assist universities in ensuring their courses are delivering the skills the industry requires.

These benchmarks were created by TIGA Educational Adviser Dr Mark Eyles of the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with both industry professionals and academic experts. They reflect approaches exemplified by the eighteen games courses that have already achieved TIGA Accreditation (http://tiga.org/education/tiga-university-accreditation).

These Benchmark Statements are an additional way for both established courses and new courses to determine what skills and knowledge their students might be expected to have by the end of their courses. These benchmarks are intended to be used to inform the review, development and delivery of courses. The may also be used in the production of specific programme learning outcomes.

The benchmarks are divided into four sections.

Section 1 applies to all courses that focus on game development.

Section 2 applies to courses with a significant focus on game programming.

Section 3 applies to courses with a significant focus on game art.

Section 4 applies to courses with a significant focus on game design.

For information on the TIGA University Course Benchmarks, see: http://tiga.org/education/tiga-benchmark-statements-for-bachelors-degrees-with-honours-in-game-development-subject-areas

Dr Richard Wilson OBE, TIGA CEO, said:

“TIGA is focused on making the UK the best place in the world to develop video games. This means ensuring the game development industry has access to skilled programmers, artists and designers. After establishing an Accreditation Scheme for university games courses TIGA has now created a set of benchmarks to assist universities in ensuring their courses are delivering the skills the industry requires. I would like to thank Dr Mark Eyles of the University of Portsmouth for leading on the development of the benchmarks.”

Dr Mark Eyles of the University of Portsmouth and TIGA Education Adviser, said:

“As an industry body a primary aim of TIGA is that graduates have skills that enable them to apply for jobs in the games and related industries. Consequently, these benchmarks are specifically aimed at capturing the industrial dimension of courses that focus on game development. They are based on findings from TIGA Accreditation events and from additional industry and academic input. Our benchmarks will complement the TIGA University Accreditation system and help to prepare graduates for careers in the video games industry and related industries.”